Classic Western Bhutan

Highlights

• Two full days in Thimphu: crafts, markets and the Folk Heritage Museum
• Punakha Dzong and the walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
• Gangtey Goenpa and the nature trail across the Phobjikha valley
• Chele La, the highest road pass in Bhutan, and the quiet Haa valley
• Tiger's Nest, and an evening meal in a Paro farmhouse

Day-by-day itinerary

Every trip is private, so we can change the pace, add a rest day or swap a hotel. This is the route we recommend, and a starting point for yours.

1. Day1

   Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu

   Your guide meets you at Paro airport. Drive to Thimphu, stopping at the chain bridge at Tamchog Lhakhang. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma, then Tashichho Dzong if it is open to visitors that evening.

   Drive about 1 hour · Overnight in Thimphu

2. Day2

   Thimphu

   A full day in the capital. Watch painters and woodcarvers at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, see the weaving collection at the Royal Textile Academy, and visit the Folk Heritage Museum's restored farmhouse. Then climb to Changangkha Lhakhang, see the takin (Bhutan's national animal) at Motithang, and browse the Centenary Farmers' Market if you are in town Friday to Sunday.

   Overnight in Thimphu

3. Day3

   Thimphu to Punakha

   Cross Dochula (3,100 m) with its 108 chortens, then descend to Punakha. In the afternoon, walk through the fields to Chimi Lhakhang.

   Drive about 3 hours · Overnight in Punakha

4. Day4

   Punakha Dzong, on to Phobjikha

   Morning at Punakha Dzong and across the long suspension bridge over the Pho Chhu. Hike up through rice terraces to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (about an hour each way). After lunch, drive up to the Phobjikha valley, a wide glacial bowl at about 3,000 m.

   Drive about 3 hours · Overnight in Phobjikha

5. Day5

   Phobjikha to Paro

   Early visit to Gangtey Goenpa, then walk the Gangtey Nature Trail across the valley floor (about 2 hours). From November to February the endangered black-necked cranes winter here, and the Crane Information Centre explains their story. Then a long, scenic drive back west to Paro.

   Drive about 6 hours · Overnight in Paro

6. Day6

   Haa valley via Chele La

   Drive over Chele La (3,988 m), the highest road pass in Bhutan, with prayer flags and views towards Jomolhari on clear mornings. Descend into the Haa valley to see Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, the white and black temples, and have lunch in a village. Return to Paro in the afternoon.

   Drive about 4 hours in total · Overnight in Paro

7. Day7

   Hike to Tiger's Nest

   The day most visitors remember. The climb to Paro Taktsang takes two and a half to three hours through pine forest, with a cafeteria halfway. Rest in the afternoon, or take a traditional hot stone bath.

   Walking 4–6 hours return · Overnight in Paro

8. Day8

   Paro valley

   See the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and the restored ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Farewell dinner in a farmhouse, with ema datshi and red rice cooked on a wood stove.

   Overnight in Paro

9. Day9

   Depart Paro

   Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.

   Transfer about 15 minutes